Sony wins Top Workplace award in employee evaluation of HR practices

Presented by Sony Electronics

Top Workplaces is an evaluation of regional companies by their employees recognized by the collaborative efforts of U-T San Diego, Workplace Dynamics, and San Diego SHRM.

Sony is proud of receiving this award, and knows they were able to achieve the distinction by listening to what their employees had to say.

“We listened to our employee feedback and their input on how we should better serve our customers on the retail floor,” said Laura Ash, senior vice-president of Human Resources at Sony. “Traditionally, we have focused on selling through our direct stores and other retailers. Our employees advised us to take the shop front back. We took their feedback based on the ‘feedback to Phil’ emails, and Sony is more successful because of that. This is why we applied for this workplace award; and, the reason we were selected.”

By focusing on their employees and the talents of each individual, Sony can successfully shift into the future.

“The world is changing and we need to change too,” said Ash. “We, and our employees, need to help each other make the transformation. The president of our company believes that our people are essential to Sony’s success.”

In a statement recently released by Phil Molyneux, president and COO of Sony Electronics, Inc., he commented on the privilege of working with such an exceptionally successful HR team that was essential in the efforts to increase sales, and the nomination for the Workplace Excellence Award.

“We can have great products – and we do – but no one can argue that it’s our people, our talent, who must execute successfully for Sony to win,” said Molyneux. “Some of the changes we made were difficult ones, but necessary to prepare us for the future. This change represents a shift in mindset. Behaviors are changing. We’re building new skills. Structurally we’ve got resources in the right places and we’re set up to succeed. The entire organization is aware and aligned. We’ve got aggressive goals and the right talent on board to get us there.”

The 2,500 individuals employed at Sony are happy for a variety of reasons, from the laptops they receive to the open air cafeteria with fire pits provided on the top floor.

“We offer all the same standard benefits to our employees that other big companies have,” said Ash, “and we also offer unique programs and perks such as a world class fitness center, full gym and basketball courts on top of the parking garages.”

Sony offers many assistance and wellness programs, and offer significant discounts on products to employees through its website.

Ash continued, “I like our volunteer day programs because employees can take days off to help out in an area they enjoy.”

Sony boasts eight employee resource groups that are organized based on employee interest and demographics. These groups have been instrumental in driving employee initiatives. For example, the recent addition of a back-up child care program was a result of the work completed by their parenting network group. These groups provide opportunities for employees to network with their peers outside of their normal business groups and help drive employee and business initiatives.